Walking the Dog
I hear people talking all the time about their rescue dogs. They will go to a shelter and pick out a pup that needs a new home. They buy new bowls, beds and leashes, bring the pup home and everyone is happy! Our story is a little different. Years ago we actually had a dog end up on our porch. We looked for the owners to no avail and the rest is history. I guess you might say he rescued us!
Mentally we were not ready for this situation. My husband had said that after our pups crossed the rainbow bridge that we would not get any more. We were going to be a pet free family! Our family has always had either two or three dogs, and we only had one sweet old dachshund when “Boone” came along. We think Boone is a ½ Lab ½ Border Collie. He is the sweetest dog and would never hurt anyone. He needs constant attention and if you are at home by yourself, you are NEVER really alone. Boone is ALWAYS right there!
The first time we let Boone out of the car he took off! As we chased him down the street as his nose was to the ground smelling everything. He never looked up. We finally corralled him and decided he would not be a dog that would just hang outside with us unless it was in the backyard surrounded by a fence.
As we began to take Boone on walks, we used a harness and leash - the kind that goes around his shoulders and belly. With the harness, it was easier to pull back and keep him beside us. Eventually we took off the harness and walked Boone with just a rope leash. I could tell he felt a bit more empowered, but it didn’t have much give and we could pull back on it if he decided to take off chasing a squirrel or a butterfly.
Finally, Boone graduated to the retractable leash. This is freedom for a dog! It’s the leash that a pup can run and feel like they are in control, but it tugs at the neck when they get too far. We liked this leash because we could engage the little lock and he couldn’t go as far, yet he still felt in control- ha! Boone was so happy! To this day, he still goes crazy and jumps up and down if he knows we are going to go on a walk. He loves it because on “his” leash HE IS IN CHARGE! We are there to help him if he goes the wrong way or falls behind, but he is walking “on his own!”
I think this is so much like life. How many times have we gotten a new job, moved to a new place, been in a new class or started a new chapter in life? We need direction! We need help! WE NEED THAT HARNESS! It is hard to do new things by ourselves and we many times need someone that will help us. A boss, a neighbor, a teacher, mentor even or parents can be our harness and guide us through the beginning.
After we get used to it a little bit, we trade up to the rope leash. We don’t need as much guidance or direction, but we still need help on occasion. In some cases we might even need to be pulled back and redirected.
Eventually, when we feel our lives are a bit more under control and we don’t really need instruction or advice, we put ourselves on the retractable leash. FREEDOM (for the most part)!!! However, in the back of our heads we know that if we mess up or need help, we can be pulled back and redirected.
Finally, we get to “roam around the yard without the fence!” So exciting and a bit scary! However, it is safe to say that we are not in this life alone. We can always call on those who will help us when we stray out of the yard!
What are some new situations in life that you feel you’ve been on a harness, rope leash or retractable leash? When did you know it was time to upgrade to the next leash? Have you ever helped someone go through these life steps? Don’t EVER be ashamed to ask for help or receive guidance. People are on different timelines in life - and it is ok!